#SubjectLibrarianSaturday is a social media and blog series highlighting LSU Libraries’ subject librarians, whose job is to help students and faculty with their research at any stage.

Nicollette Davis is LSU Libraries’ Kinesiology, Social Work, and Health Sciences Librarian. The responses below have been edited for length and clarity. 

How do you approach research consultations to ensure patrons feel comfortable and supported?

 I always try to approach my consultations from an understanding that I have been there. I have been the person on the other side who is stressed out, nervous, and worried about their project! Not all of the folks I talk to in a consultation are stressed out, but I try to make space for that, if that is the case, and ensure that there's no shame. 

I also try to empower students whenever I can by emphasizing that consultations are collaborative. The student is the expert on their topic and knows what they want to research, so I help make the connections to resources and information to help them retrieve that information. There are times when I am purely teaching, but a lot of the time, research magic happens when both of our minds work together. 

What do you enjoy most about helping patrons with their research and information needs?

Research can be stressful and messy, so helping patrons find information and research goes beyond helping them complete their paper or project. It often puts folks at ease to know that there's help and support through the research process. I have heard many happy sighs of relief after working with a patron on their research. That look of, "Okay, I got this! I can do this!" is so rewarding. Seeing that "aha!" moment and helping patrons expand their 'research imagination' is amazing.

Can you share a memorable experience or success story from assisting a patron with their research project?

There are a couple of PhD students who I have been working with since they were accepted into their program. They are now at the point where they are writing their dissertations, and it's so awesome to see their growth through the years and to be a part of their journey! I also work with a lot of nontraditional students who have not been in school for some time. I have many memorable experiences of working with them and connecting them with resources to help them spread their wings! 

Outside of your work as a librarian, what are some of your interests or hobbies?

Outside of work, I really enjoy singing, listening to music (The Weeknd, Rihanna, Tame Impala, and Whitney Houston are some favorites, but I listen to everything!), and watching old sitcoms—my favorite being The Golden Girls. Over the past couple of years, I've been really into interior design and decor. I'm always working to make my home space colorful, comfortable, and “a vibe.” This has led me to thrifting, discovering art, and doing small DIYprojects. I also enjoy road trips!

Contact a subject librarian to book a research consultation and become familiar with the most frequently used library databases and information sources in your specific area of study.